Flow Control Device with Movable Inner Body for Bidirectional Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices for oil and gas production in highly permeable geological formations face issues such as increased pressure in drainage pipes due to flow friction, leading to reduced oil and gas production and a high risk of coning, where unwanted water or gas flows into the pipe, and often allow only one-way flow, limiting their application.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a movable inner body part and outer body part that opens a secondary fluid path in response to pressure differences, allowing fluid to flow from an outlet relief port to an inlet relief port, utilizing the Bernoulli principle to autonomously adjust flow and prevent reverse flow, ensuring consistent volume flow through each section of a horizontal well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow path is used in the flow control device, then the device structure is simple, but reverse flow cannot be prevented and bidirectional flow control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented into multiple flow paths: a first flow path for forward flow control and a second flow path for reverse flow control. The closure element is divided into a first closure surface acting on the first flow path and a second closure surface acting on the second flow path, allowing independent control of bidirectional flows while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls forward flow through the first closure surface on the first flow path, controls reverse flow through the second closure surface on the second flow path, and responds to pressure differences through the movable inner body part. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling comprehensive flow control without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If pressure zones are not balanced in horizontal wells, then flow friction increases exponentially upstream, but implementing pressure balancing requires complex flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The inner body part is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically respond to pressure differences between inlet and outlet sides. This dynamic adjustment automatically balances pressure zones across different well sections, optimizing oil and gas production without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device utilizes the natural pressure differences in the well system to drive the movable inner body part, which automatically adjusts the flow paths and closure element positions. This self-service mechanism balances pressure zones and optimizes production without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
3Reliability
If only one-way flow is allowed through the control device, then reverse flow is prevented, but bidirectional flow applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented into multiple flow paths: a first flow path for forward flow control and a second flow path for reverse flow control. The closure element is divided into a first closure surface acting on the first flow path and a second closure surface acting on the second flow path, allowing independent control of bidirectional flows while maintaining a unified device structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution maintains consistent oil and gas production by preventing coning and allowing bidirectional flow, optimizing flow control for different applications by balancing pressure zones and fluid properties, ensuring reliable operation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an arrangement adapted to open a second fluid path, different along at least part of its length from the first fluid path, in dependence upon the pressure of fluid at the outlet side
Implementation Method 2
a closure element arranged to prevent fluid flow along the first fluid path in a direction from the outlet port to the inlet port
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to a flow control device and a flow control methods. One embodiment provides a flow control device comprising: a first flow path to allow fluid to flow from an inlet port provided on an inlet side of the device to an outlet port provided on an outlet side of the device; a closure element arranged to prevent fluid flow along the first fluid path in a direction from the outlet port to the inlet port; and an arrangement adapted to open a second fluid path, different along at least part of its length from the first fluid path, in dependence upon the pressure of fluid at the outlet side, the second fluid path allowing fluid to flow from a first relief port provided on the outlet side to a second relief port provided on the inlet side, wherein the flow control device comprises an inner body part and an outer body part, the inner body part being sealingly arranged and moveable within the outer body part (4b; 40b) between a first position and a second position under the influence of the pressure of fluid at the outlet side, wherein a first part of the second fluid path is formed within the inner body part and a second part of the second fluid path is formed within the outer body part, the first and second parts of the second fluid path being in communication with one another when the inner body part is in the second position but not when the inner body part is in the first position, thereby opening the second fluid path when the inner body part moves from the first position to the second position.